Simplyhealth is launching a rapid scanning referral service for its customers under a partnership with Scan.com, which will see its customers receive better rates.
Customers will be able to search for MRI, CT, X-ray, and Ultrasound scans near them and book online, but Simplyhealth did not say how big discounts were.
Initially available in London, Birmingham and Manchester, the insurer plans to extend the service nationwide from next month.
Customers do not need a GP or consultant referral and on average wait just five days to get a scan with costs starting from £295 for an MRI, it said.
Those with diagnostic cover within their plan will also be able to claim back the costs, subject to policy limits.
The firm is partnering with Scan.com, a network of private medical imaging services, which has a UK-based network of over 150 scanning centres.
All bookings include pre-and-post-scan clinician consultations, scans carried out by radiographers, and radiologists’ reports delivered in a patient-friendly interactive format.
Simplyhealth said the initiative is the first in a series of new products under development as it aims to transform from a healthcare insurer to a broader healthcare solutions provider.
Katie Wadey, chief product and commercial officer at Simplyhealth, (pictured) said: “Our purpose is to improve access to healthcare for everyone in the UK – not just those who can afford to go privately.
“We agree with Rod Stewart, it’s scandalous that so many people are waiting months for scans while there is unused capacity in the private sector.
“We wanted to do something to help our customers get seen and get diagnosed quickly and our partnership with Scan.com will give more people simple access to the cheapest prices available.”
Dr Lizzie Tuckey, chief commercial officer at Scan.com, added: “Our platform streamlines the process of finding private imaging, and offers a greater choice of locations, appointments and prices, making booking a scan as easy as booking a hotel.
“By partnering with Simplyhealth, we hope to improve access to imaging for their customers, speeding up referrals and providing better patient outcomes.“